On their country’s independence day, Indian president and prime minister have sent strong warnings to Pakistan belying the often repeated claims of building good neighbourly relations.
In a strong message to Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said anti-India activities emanating from there would have to stop for relations to improve and asserted that all steps would be taken to prevent “dastardly” acts like the recent killing of jawans on the LoC.
Addressing the nation on the 67th Independence Day from the ramparts of Red Fort, Singh said terrorist and naxal violence in the country had reduced but the area of national security called for constant vigil.
India, he said, had strived for friendship with its neighbouring countries. “However, for relations with Pakistan to improve, it is essential they prevent the use of the territory under their control for any anti-India activity,” he said.
Referring to the August 6 killing of five Indian soldiers on the LOC, he termed called it a “dastardly” act and said “we will take all possible steps to prevent such incidents in the future”.
In his Independence Day address, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said despite India’s consistent efforts to build friendly relations with neighbours, there have been tensions on the border and repeated violations of the ceasefire on the Line of Control, leading to tragic loss of lives.”
Without naming Pakistan, the president said: “Our commitment to peace is unfailing but even our patience has limits. All steps necessary to ensure internal security and protect the territorial integrity of the nation will be taken.”